Sexual assault reported near Appalachian State University

Published: Monday, February 25, 2013 at 08:33 PM.

BOONE, N.C. — A student reported being sexually assaulted just blocks from the Appalachian State University campus.

The attack happened around 3:30 a.m. Sunday on West King Street, which runs through the heart of Boone.

Police believe someone grabbed the 21-year-old from behind and dragged her into an alleyway.

Whitney Harrell pointed out the police tape that stretches around much of the backside of her apartment. She was there early Sunday morning when police got the call about the sexual assault in the alleyway, but said she didn't hear anything.

BOONE, N.C. — A student reported being sexually assaulted just blocks from the Appalachian State University campus.

The attack happened around 3:30 a.m. Sunday on West King Street, which runs through the heart of Boone.

Police believe someone grabbed the 21-year-old from behind and dragged her into an alleyway.

Whitney Harrell pointed out the police tape that stretches around much of the backside of her apartment. She was there early Sunday morning when police got the call about the sexual assault in the alleyway, but said she didn't hear anything.

“I just can't believe we were here,” Harrell said. “Our downstairs neighbors were here. Their windows are right there. They didn't hear anything. We didn't hear anything. It is pretty scary."

Across campus Monday, students were talking about the sexual assault after the campuswide email was sent out. Police said a car had passed the female student along King Street shortly before the attack, and two Hispanic men had asked if she was OK and then drove off. A short time later, police said, the assault happened.

“Be very aware of your surroundings,” said Kat Brackenridge with Boone Police. “Don't walk home alone. Stay in groups and also let people know where you are."

It is advice many students said they will follow, especially while walking at night.

“(It) makes me nervous because I walk home alone all the time from the bar late night,” student Rebecca Clay said.

Investigators said they will be pulling any surveillance video from the area in hopes of identifying cars driving down King Street at the time of the alleged attack. They also said they will be stepping up patrols in the area and others around campus.